K-20: The Legend of the Black Mask

Directed by: Shimako Sato

Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Takako Matsu, Toru Nakamura

Synopsis:

In an alternate universe, WW2 was averted. The Japanese Empire is ruled by an aristocracy and the cultural divide between the rich and the poor is huge. It is 1949, and the city is under siege from a master criminal known as K-20, the fiend of 20 faces, who is intent on stealing energy-harnessing technology. As his arch nemesis, detective Kogoro Akechi hunts him down, K-20 sets up a simple circus acrobat called Heikichi Endo (Kaneshiro) to be his patsy. Captured and sentenced to death, Heikichi manages to escape. He realises that the only way to clear his name is to capture K-20 himself, and the only way to draw him out is to actually become him…

Review:

One of the joys of being a film critic is when you come across a film which comes out of nowhere and quietly blows you away. K-20 is such a film. As soon as the prologue set the scene, I was on the edge of my seat. Zeppelins are kind of de rigueur for steam punk stories, but gyrocopters? Now they are cool.

The film very much feels like an update of the of RKO serials, such as King of the Rocket Men, and period pulp heroes such as The Shadow. K-20 himself is played as a larger-than-life villain, with a maniacal laugh and theatrical flourishes.

The tone is quite genial for the most part, and would make a great watch for younger super hero fans – except for one scene in which Heikichi is beaten by the prison guards, which feels out of touch with the rest of the film.

Whilst the central premise of the plot is quite simple – wronged man must prove his innocence – the trappings and details are delightful. The maguffin at the centre of the film is a device based on the theories of the Russian scientist, Tesla, and take into account the mysterious natural disaster at Tunguska.

The story is classic pulp fiction. Hired by a mysterious stranger to take photos of Detective Kogoro’s wedding, Heikichi finds himself in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time and mistaken for the arch villain K-20. Realising he was framed, Heikichi escapes with the help of a network of noble thieves who help train him in the various disciplines he’ll need to draw out his enemy. The training sequences are exciting, especially Heikichi’s runs across the rooftops, accompanied by a suitably heroic score. The addition of a grappling hook is the icing on the cake.

Also making good cake is Takako Matsu as Yoko Tashiba, Kogoro’s bride, a strong willed woman who is nevertheless naïve thanks to her sheltered upbringing. She wants to be more than just a wife, but the strict culture of the upperclass all but forbids it. She also holds the key to the mystery of K-20’s plans, although she is not aware of it.

To say too much more will harm the film’s impact. The story builds nicely, finally revealing the identity of K-20 and the nature of his dastardly plot, pitting our heroes into a deadly battle in and around the Fiend’s doomsday device. Will they save the day? Will Heikichi be able to clear his name? Stay tuned to find out!

Verdict:

Fun for all the family, K-20 is a great mix of super-hero action and old fashioned adventure tales. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we are invited into this world.

8 out of 10 (MikeOutWest)

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